Ugandan community at University of Gezira moans death of iconic profAl-Tayyeb Muhammad Abdul-Malik

We were heart-broken by the sudden news of the passing on of iconic Sudanese Professor Al-Tayyeb Muhammad Abdul-Malik on Nov 26. We were told, though he succumbed to the cruel pangs of covid-19 in an isolation center, he had a peaceful death. Our hearts go out to the family members—our mum Fatuma, brothers—Muhammad, Abubakar, and Umar and the two sisters. Though we are physically apart in a distance, we are spiritually closest with you in this very difficult moment.

The deceased will retain a permanent space in our individual lives. From his large unselfish heart, a relationship was created between the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and the University of Gezira, Sudan (UofG) about ten years ago. Today, about seven staff of IUIU are about to graduate with PhDs at UofG, which offered nearly 100% of the costs—thanks largely to Prof Abdul-Malik’s role.

To the current PhD candidates—including Swaib K Nsereko (communication science), Aisha Nayiga (communication science), Sauda Nayiga (Law), Musa Matovu (Economics), Abdul-Hafiz Jingo (IT), Hamis Kabenge (IT) and Aisha Mbeya (Education), the deceased transcended the limits of an accomplished educationist to a continental father. His strong command of the English language made the Ugandan legion in Sudan feel at home away from home. He made Sudan our second country on the continent. We know as we celebrate his life that he has left several peers and mentees like Prof Al-Hassan Breima and Dr Muhammad Babiker who are equally good, but we are can never be certain that the vacuum he has left will fully be filled.

May the almighty Allah be pleased with his soul ya Rabbi.

By Swaib K Nsereko

Department of mass communication, Islamic University in Uganda